Best Places to Visit in Bermuda for Christmas Cheer

Living in Bermuda as an expat or digital nomad offers a unique blend of island life and British charm, but when December rolls around, the holiday spirit takes on a special magic. While Bermuda itself is festive with its pastel-colored homes, twinkling lights, and seasonal events, sometimes you crave a change of scenery—somewhere with snow-dusted streets, bustling Christmas markets, or traditions that feel like a warm hug from home. Whether you're looking for cozy villages, vibrant city celebrations, or quaint neighborhoods with old-world charm, these destinations are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. From dazzling light displays to festive markets brimming with handmade gifts and seasonal treats, here are some of the best places to visit in December for a dose of Christmas cheer.

London’s Covent Garden Neighborhood

London’s Covent Garden is a holiday dream, transforming into a glittering wonderland with its iconic Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, and festive window displays. The neighborhood’s central piazza is adorned with a towering Christmas tree, and the surrounding streets buzz with energy as carolers, street performers, and seasonal pop-ups bring the area to life. The Covent Garden Christmas Market is a must-visit, offering an array of handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and unique artisanal goods. You’ll find everything from hand-knitted scarves and bespoke jewelry to quirky ornaments and one-of-a-kind holiday cards. The market also features a cozy lodge where visitors can warm up with mulled wine and seasonal snacks while enjoying live music and entertainment.

We Recommend: Don’t miss the chance to try a classic British mince pie—these sweet, spiced pastries filled with dried fruits and warming spices are a holiday staple. Pair it with a cup of mulled wine or a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for the ultimate festive treat.

New York City’s Dyker Heights Neighborhood

If you’re chasing over-the-top Christmas displays, New York City’s Dyker Heights neighborhood is the place to be. This Brooklyn enclave is famous for its extravagant holiday light shows, where homeowners compete to create the most dazzling displays, turning the streets into a magical winter wonderland. From synchronized light shows set to music to life-sized Santa sleighs and towering inflatable snowmen, the creativity on display is truly awe-inspiring. While there isn’t a traditional Christmas market here, the neighborhood hosts guided tours (often by bus or trolley) that take you past the most spectacular homes, complete with hot cocoa and holiday music. The area also has a strong sense of community, with residents often handing out cookies and treats to visitors.

We Recommend: Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the local food trucks or bakeries—many offer peppermint or marshmallow-topped versions that are perfect for sipping while you marvel at the lights. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a classic New York pretzel or a slice of pizza to keep your energy up during your light tour.

Edinburgh’s Old Town

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a fairy-tale setting for the holidays, with its medieval streets, historic buildings, and the majestic Edinburgh Castle looming overhead. The city’s Christmas celebrations are legendary, with the Edinburgh’s Christmas festival transforming Princes Street Gardens into a festive playground. The Christmas market here is one of the largest in the UK, offering a mix of traditional German-style chalets and Scottish vendors selling everything from handcrafted woolen goods to locally made gin and whisky. The market also features an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the city, and a Santa’s Grotto for the little ones. Don’t miss the chance to try some of Scotland’s seasonal specialties, like cranachan (a dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats) or a warming dram of whisky.

We Recommend: Be sure to try a "hot toddy"—a Scottish favorite made with whisky, honey, lemon, and warm water or tea. It’s the perfect way to ward off the winter chill while exploring the market. If you’re feeling adventurous, sample some haggis bonbons or a venison burger from one of the food stalls.

Vienna’s City Center

Vienna is the epitome of old-world Christmas charm, with its grand palaces, classical music, and some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The city’s Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the most famous, set against the backdrop of the stunning Vienna City Hall. This market is a feast for the senses, with stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, delicate glass baubles, and intricate wooden toys. The scent of roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and sizzling sausages fills the air, while the sound of live classical music and carolers adds to the festive atmosphere. Nearby, the market at Schönbrunn Palace offers a more intimate setting, with its imperial gardens and a charming ice skating rink. Vienna’s coffee houses also get into the spirit, offering seasonal treats like Sachertorte (chocolate cake) and Punschkrapfen (a rum-soaked pastry).

We Recommend: Indulge in a slice of warm apfelstrudel (apple strudel) topped with vanilla sauce or whipped cream—it’s a Viennese classic that tastes even better in the crisp winter air. For something savory, try a käsekrainer, a cheese-filled sausage that’s a local favorite, especially when paired with a mug of glühwein (mulled wine).

Quebec City’s Old Quebec

Quebec City’s Old Quebec feels like stepping into a European Christmas postcard, with its cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, and a dusting of snow that makes everything feel magical. The city’s German Christmas Market in Old Port is a highlight, featuring wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, local crafts, and Quebecois specialties like maple syrup products and artisanal cheeses. The market also offers festive treats like tourtière (a savory meat pie) and beaver tails (fried dough topped with sweet toppings). One of the most enchanting experiences is the nightly sound and light show projected onto the facade of the historic Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, which tells the story of Quebec’s history and holiday traditions. The city also hosts a Santa Claus parade and an ice hotel, adding to the winter wonderland vibe.

We Recommend: Warm up with a cup of caribou, a traditional Quebecois holiday drink made with red wine, whisky, and maple syrup. It’s rich, warming, and the perfect way to toast the season. For a sweet treat, try a sugar pie (tarte au sucre), a decadent dessert made with brown sugar, cream, and butter that’s a Quebec specialty.

Prague’s Old Town Square

Prague’s Old Town Square is one of the most picturesque places to celebrate Christmas, with its Gothic and Baroque architecture, towering Christmas tree, and the iconic Astronomical Clock as a backdrop. The Prague Christmas Markets are a highlight, offering a mix of traditional Czech crafts, handmade ornaments, and festive decorations. The market stalls are filled with wooden toys, embroidered textiles, and intricate glass ornaments, while the aroma of trdelník (a sweet pastry cooked over an open flame) and sva?ák (mulled wine) fills the air. The square also hosts live music, including carol singers and folk performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to try some Czech holiday specialties, like váno?ka (a sweet braided bread) or klobása (grilled sausage).

We Recommend: Try a chimney cake (trdelník) fresh off the fire—it’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and often dusted with cinnamon sugar or filled with Nutella. Pair it with a cup of sva?ák, a spiced mulled wine that’s a staple at Czech Christmas markets. For something savory, grab a klobása (sausage) served in a roll with mustard and sauerkraut.

Salzburg’s Old Town

Salzburg’s Old Town is a dream for anyone who loves Christmas markets with a fairy-tale setting. The city, the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for *The Sound of Music*, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with its baroque architecture, snow-capped mountains, and twinkling lights. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt in Cathedral Square is one of the oldest and most charming markets in Austria, with stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and traditional Austrian gifts. The market is also famous for its festive treats, like Mozartkugeln (chocolate-covered marzipan balls) and kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with raisins and powdered sugar). The nearby Hellbrunn Palace market offers a more intimate setting, with its romantic gardens and a focus on local artisans. Salzburg also hosts a variety of concerts and performances, including classical music and Advent sing-alongs.

We Recommend: Indulge in a warm slice of kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy, caramelized pancake served with apple or plum compote—it’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly December day. For something sweet, try a Mozartkugel, a local delicacy that makes for a perfect edible souvenir. Wash it all down with a cup of glühwein (mulled wine) or a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

Boston’s Beacon Hill Neighborhood

Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood is one of the most charming places to experience the holidays in the U.S., with its gaslit streets, brick sidewalks, and historic brownstones adorned with wreaths and twinkling lights. The neighborhood’s annual Holiday Stroll is a beloved tradition, featuring carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and festive window displays along Charles Street. While there isn’t a traditional Christmas market here, the area’s boutique shops and cozy cafes offer plenty of holiday shopping opportunities, from handcrafted ornaments to locally made gifts. The nearby Boston Common and Frog Pond also host a holiday festival, complete with an ice skating rink, a light show, and a tree-lighting ceremony. Beacon Hill’s holiday charm is all about the atmosphere—think hot cocoa by a fireplace, festive cocktails at historic taverns, and the sound of carolers echoing through the streets.

We Recommend: Stop by one of the neighborhood’s historic taverns, like The Sevens or The Hampshire House, for a festive cocktail—try a cranberry mimosa or a spiced apple cider with bourbon. For a sweet treat, grab a warm cider donut from a local bakery or a peppermint bark from a specialty shop. If you’re in the mood for something savory, a bowl of New England clam chowder is the perfect way to warm up after a stroll through the snow.

Reykjavik’s Downtown

Reykjavik might not be the first place that comes to mind for Christmas, but Iceland’s capital offers a unique and magical holiday experience. The city’s downtown area is adorned with twinkling lights, and the Reykjavik Christmas Market in Ingólfstorg Square is a cozy affair, with stalls selling Icelandic wool sweaters, handmade ceramics, and local delicacies like fermented shark (if you’re feeling adventurous). The market also features live music, storytelling sessions, and visits from the Icelandic Santa Clauses, known as the Yule Lads. One of the most enchanting traditions is the Christmas buffet, or "jólaglögg," where locals and visitors gather to enjoy smoked lamb, pickled herring, and other Icelandic specialties. Reykjavik also hosts a variety of holiday concerts, including performances by the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and traditional Christmas choirs.

We Recommend: Try a cup of jólaglögg, a spiced mulled wine that’s a staple at Icelandic Christmas celebrations. For something sweet, sample kleinur, a twisted doughnut-like pastry that’s a holiday favorite. If you’re feeling brave, try a bite of hákarl (fermented shark), but if that’s not your thing, stick to the smoked lamb or a warm bowl of plokkfiskur (fish stew).